Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Succulents

Low-Maintenance Succulents

Succulents are plants with thick leaves that easily retain water, making them well-adapted to drought-like conditions. They can add interesting textures and forms to the typical landscape, and some residents even have themed “succulent gardens” to accent their homes. Keep reading to learn about some succulents that require minimal watering and care in Sarasota County.

Note: The following information is adapted from the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Plant Guide.

Legend

Apart from the information presented in the table, the following features will be highlighted under each plant’s picture.

Light

Full sun: At least 6 hours of full sun

Part sun: 2-4 hours of full sun per day

Full shade: Full shade

Perks

Pollinator-friendly: Attracts pollinators

Attracts birds: Attracts birds

Edible: Edible parts*

Geography

Native: Native

Non-native: Non-native

 

Succulents

Yucca (Yucca spp.)

Variegated yucca
Credit: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions

Full sun Part sunPollinator-friendly Non-native

Height 3 to 30 feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Hardiness 6A to 11
Light Requirement Full to partial sun
Salt Tolerance Varies
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Acidic to slightly alkaline (4.5-7.2), well-drained
Comments
  • Flowers from spring through summer
  • Attracts butterflies

Read more here.

Agave (Agave spp.)

Two agave plants of different varieties
Credit: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions

Full sun Non-native

Height 3 to 6 feet
Growth Rate Slow
Hardiness 8B to 11
Light Requirement Full sun
Salt Tolerance High
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.2), sandy clay, well-drained
Comments
  • Plants will die shortly after blooming
  • Avoid planting Agave angustifolia and Agave sisalana

Read more here.

Aloe (Aloe spp.)

Aloe
Credit: Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program™

Full sun Part sunNon-native Edible

Height 1 to 3 feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Hardiness 8A to 11
Light Requirement Full to partial sun
Salt Tolerance High
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Slightly acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0), well-drained
Comments
  • Gel from the Aloe vera plant’s leaves can be used to treat sunburns, and in certain varieties, it is edible

Read more here.

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Credit: Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program™

Full sun Part sunAttracts birds Non-native

Height 0.5 to 1 feet
Growth Rate Slow
Hardiness 10A to 11
Light Requirement Full to partial sun
Salt Tolerance Medium
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0-7.2), sandy loam, well-drained
Comments
  • Blooms winter through spring
  • Attracts hummingbirds

Read more here.

Stonecrops (Sedum spp.)

Sedum 'Yellow Gold'
Credit:  Thomas Wright, UF/IFAS

Full sun  Non-native

Height 0.5 to 1 feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Hardiness variable by species / 3-11
Light Requirement Full sun
Salt Tolerance Low
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay
Comments
  • Easy to propagate by division or cuttings
  • Textural groundcover
  • Pest resistant

Read more here.

Bulbine (Bulbine frutescens)

bulbine
Credit: UF/IFAS

Full sun  Non-native

Height 1 to 2 feet
Growth Rate Fast
Hardiness 8b-11
Light Requirement Full sun
Salt Tolerance Low
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay
Comments
  • Easy to propagate by division
  • Pest resistant

Read more here.

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

desert rose
Credit: R.H. Henry, UF/IFAS

Full sun  Non-native

Height 1 to 4 feet
Growth Rate Slow
Hardiness 10b-12
Light Requirement Full sun
Salt Tolerance Moderate
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Well-drained
Comments
  • Many hybrids in cultivation

Read more here.

 

If you want to learn about other low-maintenance plants for your landscape, read the rest of our Low-Maintenance Landscaping blog series.

*Although we discuss edibility in this blog, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is not responsible for any illness or injury associated with foraging. Be aware that some plants may have been treated with pesticides and are not fit for human consumption. Always exercise caution.

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Forest Hecker, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Educator for Sarasota County's UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department.Ashley Ellis, Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator in Sarasota County.
Posted: April 16, 2024


Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Edible, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Low, Maintenance, Native, Pgm_Water, Pollinators, Use, Water


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